Leo Makkonen

Archbishop Leo (b. 4 June 1948, Pielavesi, Finland) is a former prelate of the Orthodox Church of Finland as Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland.^[1]

His Eminence Leo
Archbishop of Helsinki and all Finland
Leo in 2018
Native name	Leo Makkonen
Church	Orthodox Church of Finland
Appointed	27 October 2001
Term ended	29 November 2024
Predecessor	John (Rinne)
Successor	Elia (Wallgrén)
Previous post(s)	Bishop of Joensuu (1979) Metropolitan of Oulu (1980-1996) Metropolitan of Helsinki (1996-2001)
Orders
Ordination	22 July 1973 by Paul (Olmari)
Consecration	25 February 1979 by Paul (Olmari)
Personal details
Born	Leo Makkonen (1948-06-04) 4 June 1948 (age 77) Pielavesi, Finland
Nationality	Finnish
Denomination	Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Spouse	Anita (d. 1977)
Children	1
Alma mater	University of Joensuu St. Sergius Institute

Background and career

He was born in Pielavesi in eastern Finland on 4 June 1948. After completing studies in 1972 at the Kuopio seminary, he was ordained to the deaconate on 20 July 1973 and to the priesthood two days later.

He was consecrated Bishop of Joensuu on 25 February 1979, then served as Metropolitan of Oulu from 1980–1996. From 1996–2001 he served as Metropolitan of Helsinki, before taking up his post as Archbishop of Karelia;^[2] he was enthroned on 27 October 2001.^[3]

From 1979–1993 he served as chair of the Fellowship of Saints Sergius and Herman.

Makkonen retired in November 2024 after the election of his successor Archbishop Elia (Wallgrén).^[4]

Private life

Archbishop Leo is a widower. He has one daughter, and two grandchildren.^[5]

On his 60th birthday, Leo consecrated an eukterion in his hometown of Pielavesi. Building one had been a long-time dream of his.^[6]

Honors

• Order of the Holy Lamb (Finnish Orthodox Church, Grand Master, 2001)^[7]
• Order of the Lion of Finland (Finland, 2006)^[8]
• Saint Henry Cross (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, 2008)^[9]